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Blues praise Reds' Super defence

Jim Morton

Blues leaders John Kirwan and Ali Williams have hailed Queensland's match-winning defence after the Reds got out of jail to keep the pressure on the Brumbies.

The Reds went tryless in a win for the first time since Super Rugby's debut season in 1996 when they overcame Kirwan's maturing Blues 12-11 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Rejuvenated playmaker Quade Cooper kicked all four penalty goals in another eye-catching performance, which also featured a rib-rattling tackle on Rene Ranger, as a jaded Queensland held their nerve to claim a vital four points.

The win saw them jump two points ahead of the Brumbies (35) before their round 11 clash with the Western Force and also completed an Australian-first Kiwi sweep with a 4-0 record against NZ rivals this season.

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While there was only one try scored - to Blues centre Jackson Willison - and the Reds were unable to show their razzle-dazzle, Blues skipper Ali Williams rated it one of the most enjoyable matches he's been involved in.

The Blues ran the ball from the kick-off, going through 22 phases before the Reds even touched the ball, and kept up a frenetic attacking pace which asked plenty of questions of the home side.

The first time Queensland ran with it was in the eighth minute, prompting coach Ewen McKenzie to remark the Blues had stolen their own game plan to keep the ball and run it at all costs.

"That's why people come and watch a game of rugby, and that's why rugby is better than rugby league," Williams said. "That was a magic game.

"Everyone knows the Reds for the attack but their defence was pretty good tonight."

Kirwan, who felt there was enough rugby played for a 30-29 scoreline, said Queensland deserved to win despite his side's dominance of possession and field position.

"I think they (Queensland) deserved to win," he said. "They defended incredibly well and were probably a bit more disciplined than we were and that gets you across the line in a Test match like it was tonight.

Backing up the epic 19-19 draw with the Brumbies, the fatiguing Queenslanders did well to keep getting up and making last-ditch tackles to prevent the Blues striking a killer blow in the second half.

It was Cooper who stood up to win the gripping match for the Reds, ending 44 minutes of scoreless play with a penalty goal from near touch in the 75th minute.

Ironically, it came 20 minutes after he missed one from virtually in front.

"He missed the easier shot and nailed the harder one, but that's Quade, he does those things," said McKenzie.